Lokesh\'s Yuva Galam yatra has not yet gained traction

Tirupati: Telugu Desam national general-secretary Nara Lokesh’s ambitious 4,000-kilometre Yuva Galam Padayatra, which entered its 25th day on Thursday, is still struggling to gain traction.

TD leaders are blaming prohibition on use of loudspeakers, police excesses and other restrictions for the poor turnout. However, they also admit shortcomings in the party’s preparation for the yatra, lack of coordination between the political consultant engaged for the yatra by the party leadership and TD leaders, and failure of TD incharges in mobilising crowds.

The much-touted padayatra, which began on a high note from Kuppam assembly segment on January 27, will be entering the Tirupati constituency on Friday.

According to political analysts, there had been a lot of enthusiasm among cadres during the first week of the yatra. However, it lost steam as it proceeded through Palamaner, Puthalapattu, Chittoor, GD Nellore, and Nagari assembly constituencies. It is not getting the expected response from the public.

The public reaction to the yatra had been low in Srikalahasti assembly segment too. The former minister is not getting even small pockets of crowds in the absence of a public address system to attract people.

The opposition party is blaming police excesses and GO. No. 1 brought out by the YSRC-led state government for the poor turnout. Further, the padayatra is mostly passing through rural routes and villages, instead of the urban areas, where density of people is high.

Questioned why the Yuva Galam padayatra has lost its momentum, a senior TD leader confessed that party leaders incharge of the yatra are not up to the mark in persuading people, especially youngsters, into joining Lokesh’s walkathon.

Another reason the senior leader mentioned is Lokesh's lack of fluency in Telugu, compared to his father. In addition, his speeches lack the intensity required to capture an audience.